The kidney is, gram for gram, the most elegantly and effectively evolved organ in the body after the brain. The basic unit of function--the nephron, composed of glomerulus, tubules, mesangium, and the craftily-named juxtaglomerular appartus--is the most precise "filtering" system ever known. It controls fluids and electrolytes, and has a major role in all other functions of the body--blood, bones, GI system, reproduction, on and on. The only thing it doesn't do is "think"--a number of its mechanisms come close, though!
It is no wonder that chronic renal failure is the most devastating of diseases. Anyone familiar with the life of the dialysis patient knows how miserable it truly is to not have kidney function. Kidney transplantation is an option with better outcomes that dialysis, but it is still not a "cure" and most people who need such a transplant cannot get one.
The truly unfortunate fact is that chronic renal failure (CRF), also know as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or the uremic syndrome (uremia), is on the increase, especially in the developing world and in the West where longevity is increasing. This is truly unfortunate since in most cases early diagnosis and treatment of the major risk factors--diabetes and hypertension--can prevent it. Make sure you and your loved ones get regular risk assessments and if a disease that effects the kidneys is present get it treated! NOW!
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